Introduction

The Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 G IF-ED DX is considered as THE
standard zoom for Nikon DSLRs thanks to attractive specifications
combined with a moderate price tag of around 350 US$/€. Nikon
also sells this lens in some camera kits (D70s, D200).
The Nikkor is a designated DX lens projecting a reduced image circle and as such
not compatible to full-frame SLRs. The field-of-view is equivalent to
27-105mm (3.8x zoom ratio) on classic full frame cameras.

The build quality is very decent. Nikon used higher
quality plastics compared to e.g. the AF-S 18-55mm DX but it can't
match the (excessively higher priced) AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 DX here.
Interestingly the lens features a dust and waterproof rubber sealing mount
which is highly unusual in this price class.
The zoom ring has a relatively high friction whereas the focus ring feels
quite smooth (though a little plasticy).
As you can observe in the product shot above the lens has a duo-cam
zooming mechanism which extends towards the long end of the zoom range.
The inner lens tubes/cams wobble only marginally. A petal-shaped hood
(not shown) is also part of the standard package.
Typical for all G lenses the Nikkor does not provide a dedicated
aperture ring anymore.
The Nikkor features an AF-S motor (silent-wave (ultrasonic)) which
is both very fast and near silent. It is also possible to intervene
manually in S-AF mode. Thanks to an IF (internal focusing) design
the front element does not rotate so using a polarizer remains easily
possible.